Today, Science News introduced a redesigned, stand-alone Growth Curve blog, which features the latest scientific discoveries related to parenting and child development. The blog, written by science journalist Laura Sanders, translates new research and scientific jargon into accessible stories about how kids think and grow. The blog dives into existing science (or lack thereof) to offer useful knowledge that will help parents and guardians make better choices.

Initially launched in 2013 as a part of the Science News website, this relaunch features a new look, adds a weekly e-mail newsletter and enables readers to search Growth Curve’s archives. Updated weekly, Growth Curve looks to experts and recent research to unravel the mysteries behind why children do the things they do.

“Through Growth Curve, parents will be able to cut through the inaccurate information and myths prevalent on the Internet, and find real, factual news about the science behind parenting and child development. I’m thrilled to be able to provide this resource to anyone caring for children today,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News.

Sanders earned her Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where she studied the nerve cells that compel a fruit fly to perform a dazzling mating ritual full of singing and dancing. Sanders’ research has been published in scientific journals, including Current Biology, Developmental Biology and PLOS Biology. She holds undergraduate degrees in creative writing and biology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

“Laura draws on her personal experience raising two daughters and her expert knowledge of scientific research to explain the latest discoveries and highlight why they are interesting and important to parents today,” said Elizabeth Quill, Acting Editor in Chief of Science News. “It can be difficult for parents to cut through all the misinformation and hype out there. There’s a multitude of books and bloggers offering unreliable and often contradictory advice. Growth Curve brings solid science and a journalistic pursuit of truth to parenting topics.”